Bee Love: Winter Self-Care Rituals
Winter, especially in colder climates, can leave you in need of some self-care. Here are some ideas to care for yourself – with thanks to bees!
Winter in Melbourne – we’re all talking about it and feeling its wrath. This year has been a particularly cold season: with nights hitting freezing temperatures, ice covering car windows in the morning, and snow in Queensland (ummm… yes), Australia is really experiencing a dose of the chills. I don’t know about you, but the blankets have been laid thick in my house, and I am dreaming of palm trees, sunshine, and… bees of course!
But while we wait out the next couple of months, how about spending this time pampering your body and your energy levels? Self-care might seem like a buzz phrase, but to be perfectly honest, I’m completely on board.
Self-care can take many different forms – it’s merely the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, especially during times of stress. And as we are all facing pressure from a multitude of angles – finances, lifestyle, excessive workloads, politics, and relationships – it’s important to find activities that encourage positive mental health.
Here are a few tips, and some products from my online store that might help along the way.
When you’re a really busy person, the bathroom might be the only place you show yourself care. We all have to make an effort to look our best in the morning, and I am very aware of the products I use and give to my family. So if the bathroom is somewhere to look after yourself, shouldn’t we make sure the lotions and potions we are using don’t cause damage to our health and the health of the environment?
Why not try Ben’s Bees Organic Lip Balm, Body Butter, Hair Wax, Hand Cream or Beard Balm first thing— with the benefits of honey and beeswax, these products are safe, natural and nourishing.
Aside from hygiene, the other thing we all must do is eat! Now, many of you know I used to be a chef in a past life, so cooking is hugely therapeutic for me. But even if you just take the time once a week to make a special meal or incorporate some new flavours into your weekly dinner plan, cooking really can be a creative activity that benefits both the cook and the mouths you feed.
Use some Ben’s Bees Honey as a marinade on roast lamb, drizzle it over yogurt and berries for a healthy dessert, or make a special Friday-night cocktail using honey syrup, lemon juice and gin. Aside from being delicious, honey contains anti-oxidants and is the perfect sugar substitute.
Finally, make a little environment at home that is utterly relaxing where you can take your mind off the stresses of the day. Nothing beats lighting up some candles, putting on your favourite tunes (or silence is also golden), and letting your mind drift to a place that is truly calm. It doesn’t even have to be for long—five minutes before bed can really help with sleep and waking up in a positive mood.
Ben’s Bees Beeswax Candles come in different shapes and sizes and are perfect for relaxation as they are earthy and sweet but not overpowering in their scent.
Self-care is an individual practice. It shouldn’t be expensive or hard to attain. It’s about finding humble activities that help reset your mind, often by nourishing your body. Grooming, cooking and relaxation are good for all of us and can be incorporated into even the busiest of lifestyles. So, relax when you can and nurture yourself this winter.
